Harlandale High School celebrates Day of the Dead

Harlandale High School ESL students created a colorful altar this week to celebrate the lives of their loved ones who have passed in honor of “El Día de los Muertos,”

The traditional Mexican holiday, also known as Day of the Dead, originated centuries ago, and it is still widely celebrated to this day.

The ESL students decided to create the altar to bring a piece of their culture to the campus and remember their relatives and friends, as well as other famous people who have inspired them.

HHS sophomore Juan Sanchez created an “ofrenda” for his cousin who passed away a few months ago.

“I wanted to honor his memory and say goodbye because I didn’t get a chance to before,” he said.

The altar is tall and captures the attention of students passing by as it is adorned with creative and colorful pieces such as drawings, letters, special messages and photographs.

“All of the items were made by our students, so to see the kinds of ideas and projects that they brought to the altar is amazing,” Harlandale HS ESL Teacher Gisela Cancela-Alvarado said. “They took every effort to make the altar look beautiful and respectful, and it gives me a good idea about how much their loved ones meant to them.”

The school librarian also decided to include a few books related to The Day of the Dead for students and staff to read while they visit the altar and learn more about the popular Mexican tradition.